Meet Groot. He’s not the superhero in the Marvel Comics, but we have a sneaky suspicion he may have been named after him.

This Groot is a 6-month-old pit bull/German shepherd mix, and is his papa’s favorite outdoor buddy. Unfortunately, after spending a day in the Great Outdoors, Groot came home with a bad cut on his foot. (Groot’s dad thinks that Groot may have picked a fight with some barbed wire, and the barbed wire won.)

Groot’s dad was working for an oil company, but when his hours were cut he left the company and returned to Gillette to find work. He’s currently living with roommates and working temporary jobs while trying to find full-time work.

The cut on Groot's foot was bad, but due to his financial situation, his dad thought he would try to super glue it shut and wrap it, which didn’t work. So, he applied with Fur Kids Foundation and took Groot to the vet.

If you pup has an injury to their paw, they may limp or the paw may bleed. Signs of an infection in your dog’s paw include:• Red or puffy paw pads• Your dog doesn’t want to put pressure or walk on the paw• Your dog is running a fever• Your dog is panting more than usual, which is a sign of pain• Your dog pulls his paw away when you try to touch it, or isn’t as cooperative as normal – again, shows that your dog is in pain.

If the paw is really red and swollen, or you say to yourself, “If this were my foot/hand, I’d go to the doctor,” it’s time to take Fido to the vet. Also, if the cut won’t stop bleeding, it’s very important that you do take your dog to the vet. Dogs have arteries in their paw pads, and excessive bleeding is a sign that the artery has been nicked.

For minor cuts, check out some basic first aid tips below, or watch the video:

Clean the wound under cool water and gently remove any debris

If there is a lot of bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel to help control it.

Once the bleeding has stopped, apply an antibacterial ointment, or solution, like Neosporin.

Then, cover the wound with a bandage that must be changed daily.

To avoid foot injuries, make sure that you are familiar with the places that your dog plays and walks. While you’re out with your pet, pay attention to the path you are on – watch for glass shards or even ice (as ice can be as sharp as glass), pieces of metal and other sharp objects, and try to remove them when possible. Also, please avoid taking your pet on walks on hot sidewalks in the summer. And, in the winter, you can help to protect your dog’s paws with booties or even some balms, available at most pet stores. Remember, if you wouldn’t walk barefoot in a certain area, neither should your dog.

Groot received a round of antibiotics, a few stitches, and left the vet clinic with his head held low because he was sporting the dreaded cone of shame. But, we're sure he's back to enjoying the outdoors with his dad.

Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.

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Created in November 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of animals in Campbell County.

Your donation saves lives. It goes to work helping animals in Campbell County receive adequate veterinary care during a time when their family may not be able to afford it. Please contact the Foundation to learn more or donate now using PayPal.

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The Fur Kids Foundation blog is written by board member and Founder Felicia. If you have ideas that you would like to see published in the blog such as concerns about pet-focused topics in the community or a funny story, please contact the Foundation. Enjoy!